Torre Denies Davao City Mayor Bid Amidst Unsubstantiated Reports

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III has clarified that he is not seeking the mayoral post in Davao City, refuting recent reports linking him to a potential candidacy. According to local media, Vice President Sara Duterte was quoted as saying she would welcome Torre's willingness to run for mayor of Davao City if he chose to do so. In response, Torre stated via Facebook, "To be clear: I did not say I would run for Mayor of Davao. Nor did I announce any candidacy for any local or national position." He asserted that the reports were unfounded. "Let's not get ahead of the story. We still have a lot of work to do. For now, it's work first. Service does not have to wait for elections," Torre added, emphasizing his commitment to his current duties. These speculations emerged after tarpaulins bearing Torre's image and name, with the message "INGAT SA DAAN!" (Be careful on the road!), were spotted along some roads in Isabela. Torre clarified that he did not commission these tarpaulins and that no government funds were used for their production, explaining they were made by an LPG brand for its distributor gathering. Torre has a background in leading operations, including the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte for the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the apprehension of televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, wanted for human trafficking and sexual abuse, in 2024 while serving as Davao Region police chief. He later served as PNP chief for three months. Information source: Interaksyon Politics